CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE DENIS MUKWEGE - CENTRE FOR WOMEN, LEADERSHIP AND PEACE - Difäm
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CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
DENIS MUKWEGE Centre of Excellence
DENIS MUKWEGE
CENTRE FOR WOMEN,
LEADERSHIP AND PEACE
PREFACE
Prof. Gustave Mushagalusa Nachigera
Chancellor of the Evangelical University in Africa (UEA/Bukavu)
Dear readers,
It is an honour to write to you as mem- through our action based on scientific
bers of the great network of Prof. Dr research. We want to understand the
Denis Mukwege. This includes family causes of such violence better and
members, friends, institutions within through the work of advocacy contri-
Congo and abroad, those that awarded bute to the eradication of the same.
prizes to him for his work and others At the same time we need to empower
who are supporting his aims and objec- women and build their capacity to take
tives based on the same values. up the leadership in society at large.
Dr Mukwege brought back joy and It is within that framework that the
dignity to thousands of women who Centre of Excellence Denis Mukwege
became victims of sexual violence in (CEDM) will play a crucial role. The
the DRC. It is his great vision that all centre was established by the UEA in
causes of rape and sexual violence order to strengthen and continue the
will be eradicated around the world work of Dr Mukwege and will carry on
in general and in DRC in particular. It his vision in the fight for more peace
is the human right to life, justice and and justice. We therefore solicit your
dignity that he speaks about and pro- support in this matter.
nounces across the world. The value of this centre will depend on
We all recognise the incredible work many people who will take the vision
that Dr Mukwege has done and the forward, people of all walks of life, vari-
importance of this work in order to ous nationalities and in various capa-
continue to support women who are ctities, but united in the aim to make
victims of sexual violence globally and a change and contribute to a trans-
specifically in DRC. formation of peace and development
under global solidarity.
Together we need to be ready to carry
this burden and share the vision of We specifically would like to see a
restoring dignity to Congolese women museum established in Bukavu that
2
carries the testimony of many women
and will enable future generations to
learn from the past and build a better
future.
On my own behalf and on behalf of
the UEA and on behalf of all those who
are affected by such violence, I want
to thank you for your support and soli-
citation.
3
PREFACE BY THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE LAUREATE
Prof. Denis Mukwege
Director of Panzi Hospital and Vice-Dean of the UEA
Ladies and gentlemen, on all continents. Such voices can be
At a first glance it seems the issue at heard, but there is still a taboo surroun-
hand is well known: Violence against ding these cases.
women and especially violence against Our experience at Panzi Hospital caring
women as a weapon of war is an act for such women for over 20 years shows
against humanity. In order to address that rape continues to be a taboo sub-
this issue: the “Centre d’Excellence ject and the consequences of such
Denis Mukwege” was established by violence for women are disastrous. It
the UEA. The purpose of this centre affects women themselves, but also
is to “better understand the context their families and the communities.
and consequences of violence against Rape and sexual violence aim to destroy
women and to create an environment the person in their humanity: physically,
where women can live in dignity and psychologically and socially. These acts
peace to develop their lives to their full humiliate the community where they
capacity. come from. Rape is a weapon of power
In the 1990ies, when I first was cal- and it puts those down against whom
led to treat the serious consequences it is enacted. Therefore, such violence
of extremely violent rape and other affects our societies and its root causes
sexual violence, committed in the must be studied and interventions tes-
context of ongoing armed conflicts in ted for evidence. It is essential to better
the DRC, few people knew about such understand the anthropological, psy-
atrocities. Today more voices are being chological and sociological factors and
raised to denounce these barbaric acts provide a basis for prevention as well
that are a shame for humanity. as developing appropriate and scientifi-
cally proven interventions that will help
The voices of the survivors, of coura- in the reintegration of victims in a holi-
geous women and men are now heard. stic manner including appropriate legal
People who stand up to break the responses.
silence surrounding rape for centuries
4
The holistic care that we developed However, we also realise that there are
over two decades at Panzi Hospital limitations. The more we implement
includes physical, social, psychological this “Panzi Model”, the more we ask
and legal assistance. It shows synergi- questions and we wish these to be ans-
stic effects and is producing positive wered by research and academic dis-
results. Survivors return to schools and cussions. The CEDM wants to be part
universities, initiate economic acti- of such scientific dialogue that will lead
vities, build houses and rebuild their to appropriate action and make a signi-
homes. It is possible to de-traumatise ficant contribution in order to prevent,
victims and bring women out of isola- treat and eradicate sexual violence in
tion so they can talk, share and work our society. I congratulate the initiators
– in short: they can start to live their and wish its researchers every success.
lives again.
5
PREFACE
Dr. med. Gisela Schneider
Director of the German Institute for Medical Mission
Dear reader,
„Healing is only complete when justice care. Women must be well cared for
occurs“ – This was the message of and have access to quality care, irre-
Dr Denis Mukwege before the UN spective of where they live” says the
Security Council in April 2019. Prof. Dr Nobelprize Winner.
Denis Mukwege, a longstanding friend
The Centre d’Excellence Denis Muk-
and partner of the German Institute
wege wants to make a difference in
for Medical Mission (Difäm), has been
this situation and set up a sign of hope.
knocking the doors of world leaders
Through its research, the centre will
and decision makers for many years,
contribute to internationally recogni-
demanding that something must
sed knowledge in this field and at the
be done to end sexual violence as a
same time give young women a chance
weapon of war not only in DRC but also
for training, development moving into
globally, and the country must be given
leadership positions within their res-
a chance to peace and development.
pective areas and communities.
At his work at Panzi Hospital, he faces
At the same time the centre wants to
the suffering and plight of women who
influence communities and society and
are violated day after day. He built up
show that transformation can be pos-
a multi-professional team who gives
sible and women will return to a life
comprehensive care at Panzi Hospital,
in dignity and self-determination. The
where women are not only treated
centre will build capacity and bring
physically but are restored to a life in
young women into leadership posi-
dignity and hope. In addition, Dr Muk-
tions. It is the aim to see young scien-
wege has given these women a voice
tists emerge and doctors making their
for peace and justice.
contribution. The work that Dr Muk-
At the same time, he trains young doc- wege has passionately pursued over
tors who have a heart for their pati- years will bear fruit, and it is our wish,
ents: “We want to reach every pro- that his Peace Nobel Prize will make a
vince in this country with good medical difference in the lives of women and
6
communities in DRC. Dr Mukwege has geous women of DRC and Dr Muk-
passionately pursued his work, now wege in his tireless struggle for their
honoured with the Peace Nobel Price. rights, their dignity and their survival,
deserve our commitment. Together
Therefore, our commitment is needed
we want to contribute to the success
in Europe to stand up for human rights
of this endeavour and wish the team in
and peace in Congo. As individuals,
Bukavu every success and God’s bles-
churches and organisations we can
sing.
contribute to this process. The coura-
7
BACKGROUND
„Combating violence against women lence in my work, the more I see that I
and girls, especially in conflict areas“ cannot solve this problem alone. There
is the aim of the newly established are many unanswered questions that
Chair Denis Mukwege at the Evangeli- affect different sectors and must be
cal University in Africa (UEA) located in explained”, says Dr Denis Mukwege.
Bukavu, South Kivu. It follows the crea-
This Centre of Excellence for Women,
tion of such a chair at the University of
Leadership and Peace was created by
Liège in May 2018.
the UEA in support of the 2018 Nobel
Based on these developments, the Peace Prize awarded to its Professor
UEA has now initiated a Centre of and vice-dean of the Faculty of Medi-
Excellence for Women, Leadership and cine and Community Health, Dr Denis
Peace within the university. This “Cen- Mukwege.
tre d’Excellence Denis Mukwege” aims
The Centre of Excellence wants to
at developing interdisciplinary rese-
develop internationally recognised
arch involving areas such as medicine,
research with the collaboration of
psychology, law, economics, history,
international partner institutions and
sociology, theology among others in
aims at interdisciplinary action on
order to provide scientifically sound
violence against women and girls and
answers to the phenomenon of sexual
on the development of women in lea-
violence in the context of conflict, and
dership. At the same time, the centre
to improve the lives of survivors of
wants to have a transformative impact
such violence and their rights in the
at community level to restore women‘s
Democratic Republic of Congo and
rights and their dignity.
the Great Lakes Region. “The more
I experience the reality of sexual vio-
8
9
VISION AREAS OF INTERVENTION
Our vision is a just society where all The Denis Mukwege Centre of Excel-
forms of violence against women and lence works in the field of research
girls are eradicated, where women can and training and is at the service of the
develop their full potential in society local community and society at large.
and where men and women live
The main objective of the centre is to
together in harmony and respect for
better understand the context and
human dignity and rights.
consequences of violence against
women and to contribute to the
MISSION STATEMENT creation of an environment where
The Centre of Excellence has been women can live with dignity and in
established to develop interdiscipli- peace and develop their capacities to
nary research to better understand their full potential.
the reasons for sexual violence and
to support the prevention of such vio- The main issues of the centre are:
lence against women, as well as to pro- • Women’s lives and rights
mote a holistic model for the care of
• Women in leadership
survivors of such violence. At the same
time, the centre wants to support the • Peace and development
development of women‘s leadership in
the Democratic Republic of Congo and
in the region.
1011
The Goals of the Centre of Excellence
Strategic objective 1
By the end of 2021, the Centre of Excellence is fully operational and has
its own construction on the UEA campus. The centre coordinates research,
training and community participation.
Strategic objective 2
Within five years, the research capacities of the UEA, coordinated by the Centre
of Excellence, will be strengthened and will allow for quality research in the fields
of medicine, social sciences, agriculture and economics a.o.
Strategic objective 3
Women are able to take responsibility and leadership in the areas of research,
health, management, trade, agriculture, civil society or politics.
Strategic objective 4a
Women are able to take their rightful place in society and the root causes of
violence against women are identified and addressed.
Strategic objective 4b
Effective measures to prevent rape and sexual violence are identified and
implemented, and cases of violence are documented and recorded and
appropriate measures are taken.
Strategic objective 5
The research findings of the Centre of Excellence Denis Mukwege and the
successful implementation of community interventions are widely disseminated
and contribute to stability and peace in the country, in the Great Lakes region and
at a global level.
12THE CREATION OF A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Strategic objective 1
By the end of 2021, the Centre of Excellence is fully operational and has its own
construction on the UEA campus. The centre coordinates research, training and
community participation.
The UEA has recognized the importance of such a centre and will take the leader-
ship as well as all necessary measures for its establishment and continued work.
Bread for the World will contribute to this process through initial funding. At the
same time it will be necessary to generate more interest among donors in order to
establish a well-functioning and sustainable institution.
A site has been identified on the UEA premises and it is expected that the cen-
tre will be built there within three years. We invite supporters and well-wishers to
contribute to its establishment.
The following results might be achieved over the next two years:
• Output 1.1
The “Centre d’Excellence Denis Mukwege” is established by the end of 2019.
• Output 1.2
The “Centre d’Excellence Denis Mukwege” is built on the premises of the UEA
• Output 1.3
There are at least three other major donors identified who will support core
activities and projects for the Centre of Excellence Denis Mukwege.
13LAUNCHING RESEARCH
Strategic objective 2
Within five years, the research capacities of the UEA, coordinated by the Centre of
Excellence, will be strengthened and will enable high-quality interdisciplinary rese-
arch in the fields of medicine, social sciences, agriculture, theology or economics a.o.
The centre will strengthen local capacity and create networks and partnerships that
will have an impact on the local situation with the following outputs:
• Output 2.1
The UEA has set up a strategy to create a research centre that allows basic scientific
and epidemiological studies to be carried out.
• Output 2.2.
Research results are disseminated through communication and scientific publica-
tions in peer reviewed journals.
• Output 2.3.
The partnership with the Denis Mukwege International Research Chair located at
the University of Liège in Belgium has been strengthened.
TESTIMONY OF AGINO FOUSSIAKDA CÉCILIA.
I am Cécilia Agino Foussikada, 25 years old, graduate and assistant in social scien-
ces, at the Department of Social Services since August 2018. I have just obtained a
scholarship from the Evangelical University in Africa for a master‘s degree in gender
studies in Belgium. This was granted to me as part of the staff training of the Cen-
tre of Excellence Denis Mukwege. My thanks go to the Rector of the UEA/Bukavu,
Prof. Dr Gustave Mushagalusa Nachigera, initiator of the Denis Mukwege Centre of
Excellence, for his confidence in me and my abilities. As a woman my motivation for
14specialization in gender studies and my commitment to the Denis Mukwege Centre
of Excellence is high. Gender studies will inspire my vision as an agent for change
in the status of women and the promotion of gender equality in the Democratic
Republic of Congo and in the world at large. After my training, I will position myself
within the Centre of Excellence, alongside other women and men committed to the
same cause, and I will exercise my role as an expert in the fight against all forms of
discrimination. Yes, it is still possible to transform the Democratic Republic of Congo
into a place where it is finally nice to live for a woman!
WOMEN‘S LEADERSHIP
Strategic objective 3
The centre will enable women to take responsibility and leadership in research,
health, management, trade, agriculture, civil society and even politics. Thereby the
“Centre d’Excellence Denis Mukwege” aims to facilitate a process that will bring
women into leadership positions both in the academic world and the society at
large.
After years of repression and violence, the centre wants to make a positive contri-
bution to the lives of young women who will be able to develop their full potential,
and to assume positions of responsibility and leadership leading to a transforma-
tion of society.
• Output 3.1
The Centre of Excellence Denis Mukwege has set up a research mentoring system
for women in their university education (undergraduate, graduate and post-gra-
duate).
• Output 3.2
Women hold leadership positions in research or other fields where they lead an
organization or institution with at least 20 people.
• Output 3.3
At least five women in the mentoring program hold senior positions in health/
medicine, management, civil society, politics or any other relevant field.
15WOMEN IN SOCIETY
Strategic objective 4a
Women are able to take their rightful place in society and the root causes of violence
against women are identified and addressed.
Strategic objective 4b
Effective measures to prevent rape and sexual violence are identified and imple-
mented, cases of violence are documented and recorded and appropriate measu-
res are taken.
The reason for the creation of such a centre is the injustice to and violence against
women that has occurred in an unprecedented way in the DRC. The Denis Mukwege
Centre of Excellence wants to better understand the root causes of this evolution
and how the root causes can be effectively addressed.
The holistic approach to the care of survivors of sexual violence used in Panzi is
a good example for effective treatment. However, the centre wishes to further
evaluate this model and develop strategies that are effective at community level
in order to improve women‘s lives in the future. The work of the centre will place
particular emphasis on women‘s autonomy and their rights in society.
16• Output 4.1
The evaluation of the „One Step Centre“ of Panzi Hospital has been completed
and is helping to develop and adopt new strategies for women suffering from the
consequences of rape and sexual violence.
• Output 4.2
Two model communities, both rural and urban, are identified and a model health
centre is established that will provide holistic care for women and serve as a trai-
ning institution for health workers under the direction of a family doctor.
• Output 4.3
The Centre‘s work contributes to women‘s equality in society and empowers
women in terms of leadership, decision-making, access and control of resources
and their benefits, access to rights and equality between women and men in
families and in society in general.
TESTIMONY OF
EUPHRASIE WAMUNZILA
I am EUPHRASIE KANINGINI WAMUNZILA,
28 years old, married and mother of two
children, graduate and assistant in the Financial Management Department of the
UEA/Bukavu since March 2014. I have just obtained a grant from the UEA to do a
master‘s degree in entrepreneurship, awarded as part of the training of the staff
of the Denis Mukwege Centre of Excellence. When I got the announcement of this
scholarship, first of all, I had a great feeling of joy and gratitude but also of respon-
sibility to the UEA and the Centre of Excellence Denis Mukwege. I know that this
scholarship is an investment for the Centre and my challenge is first and foremost
to succeed in this training and to contribute to the search for solutions to improve
the status of women, their leadership and peace in our region. As a Congolese
woman, I fully understand the unworthy conditions in which the women of our
region live. Working at the Centre of Excellence is an honour for me and a source of
great motivation because through my research I will engage in the conquest of the
economic empowerment of Congolese women through the development of female
entrepreneurship and leadership. Yes, it is still possible to transform the Democratic
Republic of Congo into a place where it is finally beautiful to live for a woman!
17PEACE
Violence against women is used as a weapon of war. Dr. Mukwege, the Nobel Peace
Prize laureate, has been fighting this phenomenon for many years. The Denis Mukwege
Centre of Excellence wants to contribute to this fight against violence to women in
general and the use of violence as a weapon of war in particular.
Strategic objective 5
The results of the Centre of Excellence‘s research and the successful implementa-
tion of community interventions are widely disseminated and contribute to stability
and peace in the country, the region and at a global level.
• Output 5.1
Research results are translated into advocacy messages and used at local, natio-
nal and international levels as an instrument of advocacy for peace.
• Output 5.2
A concept for a museum is developed that will address the issue in a way that
can be understood by generations to come. Funding is found to create a place of
information, training and awareness that values the role of women in society.
• Output 5.3
Women actively contribute to an open society where men and women have equal
rights leading to a visible transformation in local communities and restore dignity
and peace to local communities.
CONCLUSION
Dr. Mukwege, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 2018, has set a worldwide recogni-
sed example that we need to emulate. Women suffer, their rights and dignity are
violated, but together we can make a difference. The work of the “Centre d’Excel-
lence Denis Mukwege” will contribute to this fight for justice and peace. The Ev.
University (UEA) in Bukavu is looking for organisations and well-wishers who will
support the different aspects of this work. In order to make a difference in the lives
of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and communities in general, we will
need all the support we can get.
Therefore we want to build a strong partnership and network of friends who can
support us . As director of this centre, it is my deep desire to advocate for indivi-
duals who have no voice, no rights and whose dignity has been taken away. It is
all about women, of whom I am one myself. Women, however, who are increa-
singly asserting themselves as „subjects“ of their history and as essential actors of
development.
18This motivates me as I believe that the Denis Mukwege Centre of Excellence
CEDM will encourage a great change created at the UEA reflects this col-
in women‘s lives and that competent lective commitment. I therefore invite
women and leaders will emerge from you to also join us by supporting the
there who will positively influence CEDM to achieve its objectives. Thank
our society. ‘We all have the power to you for your support in the fight for
change the course of history’, said Dr. rights, dignity and peace.
Denis Mukwege in his speech in Oslo
at the 2018 Nobel Prize ceremony. The Prof. Dr Germaine Furaha
EPILOGUE
You can decide to support the CEDM directly and indirectly:
• You can join those who facilitate our partnership.
• You can support us financially for any of the objectives of the Centre by bank
transfer with the note „support to the CEDM“ on the accounts mentioned below,
or contact us at the addresses given. You can also ask us to submit a concept note
on one or the other aspect of the CEDM.
Bank Account: Difäm e. V. (German Institute for Medical Mission)
Bank: Evangelische Bank eG Stuttgart
IBAN: DE36 5206 0410 0000 4066 60
BIC: GENODEF1EK1
Key Word: Centre of Excellence Denis Mukwege (CEDM)
19CONTACTS
For any additional information and requests for cooperation, please contact:
IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO IN CANADA
Germaine Furaha Mirindi, PhD. Mrs. Esperance Mugosa
Director of the Centre d’Excellence Denis Mukwege Email: de4j@yahoo.ca
Tél. +243990318590 Tél: +12049305606
Email: furaha.germaine@uea.ac.cd
Skype: germaine.furaha2
www.uea.ac.cd
IN GERMANY IN SWEDEN
Dr. Gisela Schneider Marie Berg
Director of the German PhD, RN, RM, MPH, MNursSci
Institute for Medical Mission Professor,
Email: schneider@difaem.de Senior Consultant Midwife,
www.difaem.de Institute of Health and Care
Sciences
Dr. Julia Seibert Sahlgrenska Academy
Education Consultant of
University of Gothenburg
Bread for the World (Africa)
Email: marie.berg@fhs.gu.se
Email: julia.seibert@brot-fuer-die-welt.de
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